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news opinion


The majority of citizens of the UK pay their taxes. But they also will take any legitimate step they can to reduce their tax burden


That is sensible, prudent financial planning. Why pay more than you need? You should always act within the law, but you should also minimise the tax burden for your family, your company or your social club.


Every political party that is making a fuss about so-called tax dodgers in the run-up to the General Election has over the years done what it can legitimately to reduce its tax bill.


The smell of hypocrisy pervades this scandal.


There are of course people who will secretly move money


around, who will launder their finances in a way which defies the law. Of course, they should be prosecuted.


What is so depressing is the fact that one party wants to take on the “rich and powerful“ and stand up for the “ordinary people“ without an ounce of understanding that those very people who have made their wealth have usually provided employment for large numbers and have contributed to the overall wealth of the nation.


Successful business people should be congratulated, provided they have not lost their sense of humanity, and provided they remain within the law.


If the Government


wants to change the laws, to allow it to take a larger share of an individual‘s income or company‘s profits, it should state its intentions clearly before the Election – and see how popular the policies are on polling day.


David Murray Publisher


Firms split over impact of EU referendum


Bosses in the South East appear split over the impact that any potential EU referendum may have on economic recovery, according to a new survey by Close Brothers Invoice Finance.


Over two fifths (45%) of SMEs in the region don’t believe it will have any impact on our recovery while more than 32% are concerned that an EU referendum would challenge the economic recovery. A further 23% are unsure about what impact it may have.


Of those that are worried about its impact, almost half (43%) are concerned that it will cause uncertainty among inward investors; over a third (35%) are concerned that it could raise doubts about their foreign customers continuing to work with them; and a further 16% claim it will cause them to delay on investment decisions for their business.


The findings come from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, a


quarterly survey that canvasses the opinion of SME owners and senior management across the UK.


Michael Cox, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in the South East, said: “It appears that local firms are split over the prospect of an EU referendum.


“It is understandable that some businesses are feeling anxious about the prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that this potential referendum is still more than two years away and in the meantime we must continue to focus on encouraging investment and paving the way for growth so that we can continue to create stability and security.


“There is evidence that there has been significant foreign investment flowing in to the UK as a direct result of our EU membership. Last year, the UK’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stock was greater than any of our European neighbours.”


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